Inflating watercraft flotation device

ABSTRACT

A flotation system for floating a vessel in the water is provided. The flotation system comprises a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. A first edge material extends substantially along the length of the first flotation bladder and a second edge material extends substantially along the length of the second flotation bladder. A plurality of aligned apertures are spaced along the first edge material and the second edge material. A spacing device is receivable between corresponding aligned apertures of the first edge material and the second edge material for maintaining a spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. An inflation mechanism inflates the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.

The present application is a continuation of pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/477,144, filed on Jun. 10, 2003, entitled “Inflating Watercraft Flotation Device”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to flotation devices for watercraft and, more particularly, it relates to an inflating flotation device that would improve the stability of the watercraft and inhibit the watercraft from sinking if the hull was breached or swamped. The flotation device is positionable and inflatable under the watercraft when water enters the hull of the watercraft thereby increasing stability and inhibiting sinking and to store the boat out of the water, as alternate dry dock method.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Boating is both a popular pastime and a vital commercial activity in much of the world today. A watercraft is often a substantial investment for the owner and/or operator. In the case of commercial boats, the boat is often the livelihood of the owner of the watercraft. As a general concept, watercrafts sink when the hull of the watercraft takes on water and the watercraft loses its buoyancy. This can happen if the hull is breached due to a collision with some object or in heavy waves if the watercraft is swamped. If the watercraft sinks, a serious condition exists in that loss of life and loss of property often occurs.

The flotation device of the present invention solves these problems and others by being easy to maintain and install on a watercraft if the watercraft begins to sink. Once deployed, the present invention will keep the watercraft afloat even if a complete flooding of the hull has occurred.

The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an easily deployable flotation device to keep the watercraft floating after water has partially or completely filled the hull of the watercraft.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flotation device that can be stored on the watercraft, on the shore, or on the dock and does not interfere with the looks or operation of the watercraft when not deployed.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for a flotation device that can be easily deployed under the watercraft, easily inflated, and easily deflated and removed from under the watercraft after the watercraft has been fixed.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flotation device that is easy to manufacture and install.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flotation device that can easily lift a boat above the water for towing or storage.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a flotation system for floating a vessel in the water. The flotation system comprises a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. A first edge material extends substantially along the length of the first flotation bladder and a second edge material extends substantially along the length of the second flotation bladder. A plurality of aligned apertures are spaced along the first edge material and the second edge material. Spacing means are receivable between corresponding aligned apertures of the first edge material and the second edge material for maintaining spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. Inflation means inflates the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.

In addition, the present invention includes a method of floating a watercraft. The method comprises providing a flotation device having a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder, positioning the first flotation bladder along a first side of the watercraft beneath the watercraft, positioning the second flotation bladder along a second side of the watercraft beneath the watercraft, connecting an inflation means (either separate from or integrated to the flotation device) to the flotation device, activating the inflation means causing the first, flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder to inflate, and maintaining the spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.

The present invention further includes a flotation device for floating a vessel in the water. The flotation device comprises a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. Spacing means between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder maintains spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. Inflation means inflates the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device in a deflated condition and storable within a container;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device in a deflated condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a strap for connecting a first flotation member to a second flotation member;

FIG. 4 is perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device undergoing inflation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device being completely inflated;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device being deflated and positioned beneath a watercraft;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device undergoing inflation beneath a watercraft; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device being completely inflated under a watercraft.

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIG. 1-8, the present invention is an inflating watercraft flotation device, indicated generally at 10, for floating a watercraft 12 in the water or supporting a watercraft 12 on land. The flotation device 10 is compact and storable, in an uninflated condition, in a container 14 or box positioned or mounted on or near the watercraft 12 to be deployed upon a breach occurring in the hull 16 of the watercraft 12, when the watercraft 12 is swamped, or when above-water storage or in-water towing is desired. The container 14 can be any type of container and is not limited to the container 14 illustrated and described herein.

The container 14 can be constructed from any type of material and can be provided with a lid 18 for covering and protecting the uninflated flotation device 10 therein. Furthermore, the container 14 provides an unobtrusive visual presence, so that the storing of the flotation device 10 within the container 14 does not significantly affect the aesthetics of the watercraft 12 when stored thereon. It should be noted, however, that storing the inflating watercraft flotation device 10 of the present invention in the container 14 is optional and can include embodiments without the container 14.

The flotation device 10 of the present invention is suited and designed for use on any type of watercraft 12. The watercraft 12 can be any type of watercraft including, but not limited to, pleasure boats, commercial ships, military ships, cruise ships, power boats, row boats, canoes, life boats, rafts, pontoon boats, ski boats, jet skis, etc.

The flotation device 10 of the present invention includes a first flotation bladder 20 and a second flotation bladder 22. Preferably, the size and shape of the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 are identical to each other thereby maintaining the watercraft 12 in a substantially level position upon inflation of the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to construct the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 in different sizes and shapes depending on the desires of the user. Furthermore, it should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the flotation device 10 from a single bladder or from more than two bladders, i.e., three bladders, four bladders, five bladders, six bladders, etc.

The first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 are preferably constructed from a substantially puncture-resistant material which is tough and durable and have sufficient strength to support the watercraft 12 either on the water or on the land. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to construct the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 from other materials.

The flotation device 10 further includes a first edge material 24 extending along the length of the first flotation bladder 20 and a second edge material 26 extending along the length of the second flotation bladder 22. The first edge material 24 and the second edge material 26 are secured to the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22, respectively, by stitching or other means.

The first edge material 24 and the second edge material 26 have a plurality of aligned apertures of slots 28 spaced along its length for receiving an adjusting strap 30. The adjustable strap 30 maintains the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 at a desired spacing from each other when the flotation device 10 is deployed and inflated. Deployment of the flotation device 10 will be described in further detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the adjustable strap 30 can be any type of strap which is capable of adjusting the spacing between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22. For instance, as shown, the adjustable strap 30 can include a buckle mechanism 32 which lengthens or reduces the distance between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22.

Instead of the adjustable strap 30, the flotation device 10 can have a full bed (not shown) or other means, adjustable or not, extending between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 to maintain a predetermined and desired spacing between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22. Additionally, the strap 30 and bed or other means can be fixed and not adjustable.

The first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 of the flotation device 10 of the present invention can be inflated with a gas tank 34 and compressor 36. Preferably, the gas tank 34 is filled with air although other gases and solids, such as use with a gas generator, within the gas tank 34 are within the scope of the present invention. A pressure chamber can be provided to change a solid into a gas to inflate the flotation bladders 20,22.

Furthermore, preferably, the gas tank 34 and compressor 36 are sized and shaped for being received within the container 14 and stored therein along with the flotation device 10. It should be noted, however, that larger, permanent gas sources and/or compressors which are storable on the watercraft 12 or on the dock are within the scope of the present invention, or, the inflation source could be attached directly to the flotation device 10 or any other inflation source to inflate the flotation bladders 20, 22.

In addition, the flotation device 10 includes a first gas line 38 connecting the gas tank 34 and the compressor 36 to the first flotation bladder 20 to fill the first flotation bladder 20 with gas from the gas tank 34. A second gas line 40 is connected between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 for filling the second flotation bladder 22 with gas from the gas tank 34.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 of the flotation device 10 of the present invention are folded into a substantially spiral configuration to fit within the container 14. The first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 can be configured in a round spiral wound or a flat spiral wound. Winding the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 in a flat spiral wound allows the flotation device 10 to have a lower profile and fit within a smaller container.

It should be noted that the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 has been described and illustrated herein as being wound in a substantially spiral configuration. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to store the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 in any configuration including, but not limited to, a substantially overlaying, serpentine manner.

The operation of the flotation device 10 of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the operation of the flotation device 10 described herein is only one manner of operation and other manners of operation are within the scope of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, as the watercraft 12 begins to take on water within the hull 16 of the watercraft 12, the uninflated flotation device 10 and the gas tank 34 and compressor 36 are removed from the container 14 or other storage location. The first gas line 38 is then connected to the compressor 36. Next, the uninflated flotation device 10 is placed in the water in a spiral down position and positioned and centered about the hull 16 at the front of the watercraft 12 and releasably secured to the bow of the watercraft 12. The gas tank 34 and the compressor 36 or any other source of gas are activated thereby causing gas to flow simultaneously into the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 thereby inflating the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22. Gas lines may also be connected at a forking juncture (not shown) outside the flotation bladders 20, 22 and combined into one gas source.

As the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 are inflated, the watercraft 12 will rise at least partially or completely from the water with the watercraft 12 being supported by the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22. The adjustable straps 30 maintain the spacing between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 and can assist in supporting the watercraft 12. The watercraft 12 can then be safely towed to a dock or the like for repairs without further concern for the safety of the watercraft 12 and its occupants and the flotation device 10 can be stored on the watercraft 12. To remove the inflation device 10, the air or other propellant can be removed from the flotation bladders 20, 22.

It should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to leave the flotation device 10 releasably secured to the watercraft 12 when the watercraft 12 is not in use. Then, upon sensing of water entering the watercraft 12, the flotation device automatically inflates to maintain the watercraft 12 above the surface of the water.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the flotation device 10 includes weights spaced along the flotation bladders 20, 22 or in another location to sink the flotation device 10 when in the uninflated condition. The uninflated flotation device 10 can then be stored under the surface of the water and ready for use and inflated when the watercraft 12 is positioned once again over the flotation device 10. The inflating of the flotation bladders 20, 22 will overcome the weight of the weights to bring the flotation device 10 back to the surface.

Furthermore, the flotation device 10 of the present invention can include a spring (not shown) or other means to automatically cause the flotation bladders 20, 22 to roll up when the flotation bladders 20, 22 are deflated. The spring can be constructed from metal, plastic, etc. In addition, a motor can be provided to assist in causing the flotation bladders 20, 22 to roll up.

The flotation device 10 of the present invention provides emergency flotation of a watercraft 12 when necessary to maintain the watercraft 12 in a floating condition. The flotation device 10 of the present invention is easy to maintain and install on a watercraft, 12 if the watercraft 12 begins to sink. Once deployed, the flotation device 10 of the present invention will keep the watercraft 12 afloat even if a complete flooding of the hull 16 has occurred.

In addition, the flotation device 10 of the present invention provides a deployable flotation device to keep the watercraft 12 floating after water has partially or completely filled the hull 16 of the watercraft 12. The flotation device 10 further provides an emergency flotation device that can be stored on the watercraft 12 and does not interfere with the looks or operation of the watercraft 12 when not deployed. The flotation device 10 can be easily deflated and removed from under the watercraft 12 after the watercraft 12 has been fixed.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

1. A flotation system for floating a vessel in the water, the flotation system comprising: a first flotation bladder; a second flotation bladder; a first edge material extending substantially along the length of the first flotation bladder; a second edge material extending substantially along the length of the second flotation bladder; a plurality of aligned apertures spaced along the first edge material and the second edge material; spacing means receivable between corresponding aligned apertures of the first edge material and the second edge material for maintaining a spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder; and inflation means for inflating the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
 2. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the size and shape of the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder are substantially identical to each other.
 3. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: more than two flotation bladders.
 4. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder are constructed from a substantially puncture-resistant material.
 5. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the first edge material and the second edge material are secured to the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder, respectively, by stitching.
 6. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the spacing means is a strap.
 7. The flotation system of claim 6 wherein the strap is adjustable and further comprising: a mechanism for lengthening and reducing the distance between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
 8. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the spacing means is a sheet of material extending between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
 9. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the inflation means is a gas tank and compressor, with the gas tank being filled with a propellant.
 10. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: a first gas line fluidly connecting the inflation means to the first flotation bladder; and a second gas line fluidly connecting the first flotation bladder to the second flotation bladder.
 11. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: a container, the first flotation bladder, the second flotation bladder, and the inflation means being receivable within the container.
 12. The flotation system of claim 12 wherein the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder are foldable into a substantially spiral configuration.
 13. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: weight means for submerging the flotation bladders when in an uninflated condition. 14-20. (canceled)
 21. A flotation device for floating a vessel in the water, the flotation device comprising: a first flotation bladder; a second flotation bladder; spacing means between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder for maintaining a spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder; and inflation means for inflating the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
 22. The flotation device of claim 21 wherein the spacing means includes a first edge material extending substantially along the length of the first flotation bladder, a second edge material extending substantially along the length of the second flotation bladder, a plurality of aligned apertures spaced along the first edge material and the second edge material, and at least one strap receivable within the apertures connecting the first flotation bladder to the second flotation bladder.
 23. The flotation device of claim 22 wherein the strap is adjustable and further comprising: a mechanism for lengthening and reducing the distance between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
 24. The flotation device of claim 21 wherein the spacing means is a sheet of material extending between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
 25. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: more than two flotation bladders.
 26. The flotation device of claim 21 wherein the inflation means is a gas tank and compressor, with the gas tank being filled with a gas.
 27. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: a first gas line fluidly connecting the inflation means to the first flotation bladder; and a second gas line fluidly connecting the first flotation bladder to the second flotation bladder.
 28. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: a container, the first flotation bladder, the second flotation bladder, and the inflation means being receivable within the container.
 29. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: weight means for submerging the flotation bladders when in an uninflated condition. 